Pentagon Requests $1.5T for 2027 Defense Budget, Record Drone Funding

The Pentagon unveiled its fiscal 2027 budget request on Tuesday, proposing a total of $1.5 trillion for defense spending that includes the largest investment in drone and counter-drone technologies in U.S. history, exceeding $70 billion. The request, which seeks $1.15 trillion through annual appropriations and $350 billion via reconciliation, reflects a 22.6 percent overall increase and prioritizes unmanned systems amid evolving threats on modern battlefields.

Senior defense officials, including Jules Jay Hurst III, who is performing the duties of comptroller and undersecretary of defense, and Space Force Lt. Gen. Steven Whitney, director for force structure, resources and assessment, briefed reporters on the proposal. They emphasized that the funding surge addresses the rapid proliferation of low-cost drones in conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. "Drone warfare is rapidly reshaping the modern battlefield, and this budget is the largest investment in drone warfare and counter-drone technology in U.S. history," Hurst said. He added that manned-unmanned teaming represents the future of combat, with the request enabling its practical implementation.